How to Use Bolt
From idea to full-stack app in your browser — instantly.
🌐Browser — bolt.new — free account requiredBolt (bolt.new) is a browser-based tool that generates a complete, working web app from a single description. Sign up, describe your idea, and watch it build the whole app — frontend, backend, and database — live in your browser.
✓ Perfect for you if...
- ▸Anyone who wants a working app prototype in under 30 minutes
- ▸Weekend projects and hackathon builds
- ▸Testing an idea before committing to a full build
Get set up in 5 steps
Follow these in order — each step takes about 1–2 minutes.
Go to bolt.new and sign up
Open bolt.new and create a free account. You can sign up with your email or GitHub.
Type your idea in the prompt box
Describe what you want to build. Be specific: list the key features, the main screens, and what users can do. More detail = better first result.
Watch it build live
Bolt generates the code and shows a live preview on the right side of the screen. You'll see it update in real time as it writes each file.
Ask for changes in the chat
Click the chat input and describe what you want changed. "Make the button blue," "Add a delete button to each row," "Add a dark mode toggle" — all work as plain English.
Deploy your app
When you're happy with the result, click "Deploy" — your app gets a public URL in about 30 seconds, ready to share with anyone.
Your first prompt — paste this right now
Bolt works best with a specific scope. This prompt defines exactly one user flow — track expenses — which gives it the best chance of building the whole thing correctly on the first try.
Build a personal expense tracker web app. Features: - A form to add a new expense: description, amount (number), and category (Food, Transport, Shopping, Bills, Other) - A list of all expenses below the form, newest first - Each row shows the description, category as a colored badge, and the amount - A delete button on each expense row - A summary section at the top showing: total spent, and a breakdown total by category - The data should persist — if I refresh the page, my expenses are still there - Clean, modern design with a white card layout Start with 4 sample expenses already added so the app looks real on first load.
3 tips that make a real difference
1. Start tiny — one feature first
Bolt can get confused by very long lists of requirements. Pick the single most important thing your app does and prompt for just that. Add more features one at a time after the core works.
2. Use "Enhance prompt" if you're not sure what to write
There's an "Enhance prompt" button next to the input. Click it and Bolt will expand your rough description into a detailed spec — then you can edit it before building.
3. Deploy early, improve after
Don't wait until the app is perfect to deploy. Get a live URL early, share it with people, and iterate based on real feedback. Every time you make a change, Bolt can redeploy with one click.
Ready to pick your first idea?
We've curated the best project ideas specifically matched to Bolt — filtered by what actually works well with this tool.
Browse Bolt project ideas →Also learn how to use